MOVIES Out Now: DVD R Grudge Match What’s it about? Sylvester Stallone (aka Rocky) and Robert De Niro (aka Raging Bull) play two archenemies – both former world boxing champions – who end up agreeing to a rematch 30 years after their previous bout. And way past their prime. What did we think? Teenage me would have frothed at the mouth at the prospect of Rocky vs Raging Bull but adult me thought it would be cringeworthy, stupid and ruining beloved memories with old actors. But as much as I expected to hate it I found myself laughing and enjoying it. It’s certainly not a great movie (and in fact barely good) but it is actually entertaining despite the heavy reliance on cliche. Wait for the DVD but it is worth a look if you like boxing movies. Fading Gigolo What’s it about? A story about a guy who gets talked into becoming a male escort to help his cash-strapped friend. What did we think? On paper the plot sounds a bit kooky. Throw Woody Allen in as an actor and I had great foreboding walking into the cinema for this one. So I was surprised that this is actually a delightfully charming little flick. A great cast back up the story with Sharon Stone and Sofia Vergara playing almost predatory females who are looking for attention and a selfish satisfaction that makes their interactions with Virgil (our ‘hero’) fascinating. Not only what they want from him, but also the way they treat him. And then we meet a quiet widow who I think we all fall in love with a bit including our hero but can he have her? Especially given her devotion to the Jewish faith. Oddly, despite the profession, the lead is not an attractive man but that actually adds to this film. It’s about his quiet confidence and his attentiveness to the women’s needs, rather than a cheeky smile and six packs. He’s an unlikely but likeable hero. 300: Rise Of An Empire What’s it about? The Mad God King Xerxes and his giant army continue their attack on Greece as six-packed soldiers fight them. Usually in slow motion. What did we think? Breasts, blood and slow-motion violence. The latter two to excess. On paper this sequel (technically a companion piece) offers more, more, more. More blood, more gore, more effects. And yet somehow you feel shortchanged. It could be the irritatingly repetitious effects that are impressively stylish at first but wearing after the 30th time. Or the fact the story attempts to be complex but fails. Luckily you’re so distracted by Eva Green’s AMAZING turn as a psychotic villain bent on revenge that you will leave pretty happy. She has slashed her way into my top five movie villains of all-time with an intense performance that has you occasionally cheering for the bad guys. Rather than a third 300 film let’s have an Artemisia prequel. It’s a mid-range bloody popcorn flick. Now can someone just explain to me why there are particles hanging in the air everywhere in Greek cities? Pindara Magazine 98 Autumn - Winter | 2014
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Two
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